The Steps Of Eleutherian

by Jason R. Hemmings

  With that, the Pegasi’s long ramp descended onto the Martian crimson dunes. It was disconcerting to begin with, wondering if the device would be as effective as Eleutherian promised. But after the first few footsteps, I began to believe in the tiny miraculous device. I took a moment to study the Martian landscape, as I made my way towards the other craft. The delicate crimson light cast long shadows across the carnelian canyons, whilst the paths of cerise coloured dry rivers meandered in-between. Eleutherian had vanished, leaving me alone. As I reached the craft, the crew watched my impossible feat outside the spacecraft, as I raised my hand gesturing to be let in. I could tell there and then, that it was going to be a surreal afternoon here.

  About an hour later and after many explanations, I convinced the crew to wear their new devices and follow me to the Pegasi. All at once, Eleutherian appeared walking slowly towards us, as a spectacular city emerged on the skyline behind them. Buildings shaped in a similar way to tall canyon rocks glistened like cadmium, as we stood there awed by their impressive design. I introduced Eleutherian to the crew from Earth. They shyly greeted Eleutherian, expressing their disbelief about both them, the Pegasi, the Martian city and the moment before them.

  On the ground next to Eleutherian were several peculiar shaped shadows; silvery grey in colour, like the city in the distance. Eleutherian directed our attention to the shadows, saying this was Envyse and introduced them. From nowhere, a voice spoke in similar soft tones as Eleutherian. Eleutherian explained Martians were invisible to us; only their shadows could be seen. We began nodding our understanding, as the Martian principle welcomed us to their world. I thanked them, saying we were honoured to have been granted this opportunity to meet with them. Envyse invited us to come with them to the city. So we agreed.

  It was curious talking to a shadow, as we followed alongside. All afternoon, I was cautious with every action and each word I spoke, so as to make this first meeting between Earth and Mars conclude smoothly. The Martians were quiet and sensitive; which explained their secrecy for millennia. Eleutherian had persuaded them to befriend the people of Earth. In years to come, Eleutherian revealed both sides would need each other's help with another matter. The Martian city was a mysterious and beautiful place.

  By late afternoon, we returned to the Pegasi as Envyse offered the beginnings of friendship to us all. We said goodbye, then boarded the Pegasi with the knowledge that our intervention had resulted in peace between the two worlds. I felt proud to have been a part of it, as Eleutherian thanked me. We waited until the other craft had left, then the Pegasi silently departed from the small red planet for Earth. On the way, somehow I felt richer than I did a few days ago. Watching the Earth grow nearer, brought with it the sense of enchantment; the comfort of going home again. The Pegasi had taken us back to the year 1905 and the time where Loren and the young boy were.

  The Pegasi coasted through the outer rim of the planet, to reveal the setting sun amongst the fluffy clouds. It was not like the Earth I grew up on; this version was untainted, sparsely populated and embellished with spectacular scenery. Eleutherian set the Peagasi down in a small clearing by some woodland.

  The cabin where Loren and the boy were was not far from here. We left the Pegasi and began the walk through the late summer season, as the sun slouched lower in the sky. As we walked, I still seemed to be coming to terms with my recent appointment as Eleutherian’s aid. It differed somewhat to my old life and yet there was something more gratifying to the recent days.

  Beautiful meadow flowers surrounded us, alongside countryside and a magnificent lake in the distance, which grew closer with each footstep. I asked my friend why this boy was so important; what did they have which distinguished them from others. Eleutherian said it was their innocent benevolence. It was a quality rarely found in such purity. The boy was exceptional when it came to this. Eleutherian knew they were capable of learning the vast knowledge they could teach them. Once learnt, only a few would use the gift for the good of others. Eleutherian believed the boy would become all they wished. I asked them what their name was. Eleutherian said the boy's name was Elijah or ‘Eli’ as they preferred to be called.

  As we neared the log cabin, Eleutherian became transparent, then dissolved away. They wished to observe the boy over the coming days, without alerting them to their presence prematurely. Eleutherian wanted me to befriend Eli, before they made their acquaintance.

  There was smoke coming from the chimney of the cottage as I neared it. The feeling of abandonment had gone. Instead, the comforting feeling that I was almost home replaced it, as the setting sun reflected on the lake. I only wondered if Loren had missed me as much as I had her, after all these years.

  5

  Millennium

  Until now, I had only lived in the present and not really given much thought to the future. Now, I stood in the past, with the promise of a brighter future in my hands. I had often hoped I would return to Earth, but I never dreamt of being here a thousand years before I existed.

  The fading light only seemed to add to the charm this place already possessed. As I reached the cottage I caught my first glimpse of Loren. She was by a window inside the cabin with a distant look on her face like she was lost in her thoughts. I just stood there watching her. It was like all those years apart, fell away in an instant. Loren suddenly noticed me and started squinting in disbelief that I was standing there. She disappeared from the window, then the cabin door flew wide open as she came out to take a closer look. We both stared at one another for a few moments without any words. All that could be heard was the wind gently brushing the branches of the nearby trees. Loren softly called my name in doubt it was me, but as I nodded to her, she squealed with delight and came running through the meadow flowers to embrace me affectionately. Loren kissed me in a way like she had never quite done before, telling me how much she had missed me. I guessed our absence had somewhat changed her last opinion of me. Loren stood back slightly and asked me what I was doing here. But before I could explain, she figured it out for herself. She started smiling and mentioned Eleutherian. Although she knew they had brought me here, the reason why was a little more vague. I told Loren I would explain. She put her arm around me and invited me to walk with her.

  Loren had to check on the young boy she had left by the lakeside not far away. As we began walking, an apology found its way from me, for the way we parted all those years ago. I told Loren I missed her and thought fondly of her often. Loren returned my complement, stating we just wanted different things back then. I suggested perhaps what we wanted, may be a lot closer than ever before. Loren started laughing as she conceded her understanding to what I was implying. As the sun snuck over the hills for the day, the dusky light cast pastel tones across the fading sky. I still could not believe I was here with her or part of the time we were in. It was like a daydream; but one I was in no hurry to say farewell to anytime soon.

  It was so peaceful here. The lake was still, reflecting the hills on its surface, as wild birds flew silently across the sky in the distance. Suddenly, there was the sound of quiet sobbing coming from a small way in front of us. As we grew closer, I noticed a young boy sitting alone at the edge of the lake. They were holding something small and golden in colour, as they cried softly. As I watched them, there was a look of abandonment on their face. They obviously yearned for a friend to console them.

  I signalled Loren to go back to the cottage and let me talk with the young boy, who I assumed was Eli. Loren agreed, leaving me alone. I approached the young boy silently, without them noticing me to begin with. They were about ten years old, had soft brown hair and were dressed in old fashioned clothes; the kind I had seen once in history books, when I was about their age. I spoke with a gentle tone, as I asked ever so politely if I could join them. I startled the young boy slightly, but after a few moments, they allowed me to sit with them, as they wiped a teardrop from their face. I told them I was a good friend of Loren and mentioned my name, then admired the object t
hey were holding, trying to distract their attention. They said their name was Eli and proudly explained the object was called a pocket watch. It told time. They were surprised I did not know what it was, then commented upon my peculiar clothes. They said the watch was a gift from their parents on their last birthday. It was beautiful, with intricate cogs and wheels; tiny hands swept across the cream coloured face, while a subtle ticking sound could be heard coming from the mechanism. I told Eli it was fascinating and they seemed pleased that I liked it. I commented that the lake was beautiful and asked if they ever went fishing on it. Their face quickly soured as they admitted they used to, when their parents were alive. I put my arm around the boy to comfort them and shared a secret that I had lost my parents when I was young too. I found it very hard to get over the loss. In the end, I decided to remember all the good times I had spent with them. That way, they would never really be lost, if I thought fondly of them from time to time. It helped me get on with my life. Having a friend made it easier too. I offered to be their friend, if they felt they ever needed one. Eli gently nodded and said they would like that, as I handed them their pocket watch.

  I asked if they would like to go fishing tomorrow with me. My suggestion brought a warm smile to their face. I said we better head home for the evening as the light was fading and Loren would have dinner ready at the cottage. It was gratifying to see the young boy's face have a glimmer of hope in it again. I asked them to tell me all about their parents on the way. The fading light lasted just long enough to return us to the cabin.

  I surprised Loren when we arrived, as she noticed the cheerier expression on Eli's face. Eli showed me how to make a fire from some logs to warm the cottage before we had dinner, then we spent a charming old fashioned evening there. The occasional distant hoots of an owl could be heard, as the moon climbed gradually into the night sky. My dreams that night were of Loren.

  The next day, I went fishing with Eli as promised. Loren came along too. It was a serene morning, with icy blue skies and only a light breeze. The sun began to warm the air on the still lake. As I gazed at Loren, watching the young boy fish, I knew implicitly where I belonged for the first time in my life. Eleutherian had been right about my love for her being worth far more than Corell. It had just taken me this long to realise.

  While Eli waited to catch a fish, they revealed they wanted to be someone special when they grew up, in a place far away from here. They spoke the words optimistically, with an expression of sadness written on their face, as they stared deep into their reflection on the surface of the still water. I started smiling, knowing all too well I could help the young boy with their dreams. I had the feeling the presence of Eleutherian was listening to the conversation not far away. No doubt they would be pleased by the young boy's confession.

  I suggested that I may be able to offer Eli everything they wished for. They became curious from my words, asking me to explain. I promised to take them to someone tomorrow who would be the answer to their dreams. Eli began smiling with elated hope. At the same time their pole bent in two as a large fish tugged at the other end, trying to escape. I watched Eli determinedly battle with the rod for some time, until they landed a handsome catch for their efforts. They stood there proudly with the colourful fish in their hands. After a few moments they affectionately gazed at the fish before returning it carefully into the water, setting them free. Eli explained they merely enjoyed catching them, but added the fish belonged in the lake. There was an understanding expression on the young boy's face as they spoke, which showed the compassionate qualities which Eleutherian admired.

  As I sat there, I began to realise how different and special they were. Not long after, I rowed us to the edge of the lake. None of us said very much, as the water lapped against the boat, sending ripples across its surface. The sun poured its afternoon warmth through the valley and I became lost in a daydream again. Loren sat at the other end of the boat with one arm around Eli; the other gently resting on the water’s surface. The moment reminded me of all the years I had wasted chasing so-called adventure across the galaxies, when the best one was in front of me all the time.

  I spent the afternoon with the Eli, chasing small, delicate creatures called butterflies, before I secretly met with Eleutherian to inform them of the progress I was making with the boy. Eleutherian congratulated me on my efforts as I arranged for them to meet with Eli, the next day. I had one question to ask though. If the boy came with us to Mauriche 4, were we not changing the course of history? Eleutherian said they had accounted for this, stating the boy's existence here would have no real effect for his lifetime. Coming with us, would not alter anything significant, except for the time we were taking them to. I voiced my understanding, then added one more thing. I thanked Eleutherian for making me a part of this. They smiled and hinted that this was only the beginning of what was yet to come. With that, they vanished again, leaving me alone with the sun which began setting in a not too dissimilar way to the day before. I returned to the cottage, with the hope of at least a brighter future from this moment on.

  We had dinner by the small log fire, watching the sunset on the lake. Eli read a book for a while before going to bed. I sat with Loren, just talking and holding her in my arms, gazing at the stars as the fire flickered occasionally from the light wind. It was so peaceful here and yet somehow the sudden chill in the air, reminded me of a farewell which loomed not far away. But for now, I could hold on to this precious daydream for a little longer.

  I rose early the next morning. Wild horses roamed through the meadows in the valley. On my way to the lake I noticed nature had begun to paint the leaves with autumn colours since yesterday. It was still difficult to comprehend I had travelled through time to arrive here. In a way, it was not dissimilar to a lovely dream. There was a slight regret that I could not travel to other parts of this world to discover the wonders this time held. But I understood why. The autumn leaves made me realise no matter how much you try to hold on to something, like a loved season, its fingertips slip just out of your reach and in the end you have to say farewell.

  By late morning Eleutherian arrived at the cabin. It was a humorous and touching moment when I introduced them to Eli. Their differences in size did not prevent the beginnings of an unending friendship between them. Eleutherian began to tell Eli of their importance and offered them something so special, it would take many years to fully appreciate. Eleutherian went everywhere with Eli for the rest of the day. They even took them on a tour of the Pegasi. It must have been like a surreal dream for the young boy, from Earth’s past.

  By the end of the day, Elutherian had convinced Eli of the future which awaited them on Mauriche 4. We had dinner at the cabin again. It was a warm evening. There was no need to ask Eli if they wanted to go; they could not wait to leave. They were enchanted with the promises and the places Eleutherian had offered them. Although, the young boy did double-check whether there was a lake to go fishing on when they arrived. I started laughing at the question. Eleutherian reassured them there was such a place, then described it in detail. It was curious how quickly Eli became accustomed to all of us, given where we had come from. The young boy showed no prejudice; only a welcoming nature to everyone.

  The few days I had spent here were some of the loveliest I had ever known. By the same time tomorrow, we would be back on Mauriche 4. There was a touch of sadness, at least amongst one of us to have to leave here. Eleutherian reminded me and Eli that we could both return here from time to time, when we wanted to. I thanked them for the offer.

  One or two autumn leaves drifted from the trees by the cabin, as the sun set slowly. I spent the last few moments by the lake alone the next morning, before saying farewell to Earth from the past, then boarded the Pegasi with the others. Seeing Earth in its youth, left a fond memory of home I longed to take with me on my journey to the future. I started to remember the ocean on Mauriche 4. The thought that the others would come with me, was enough to cheer me from my departure here. Loren
’s smile made it a little easier too.

  The Pegasi’s approached to Mauriche 4 was like a whisper through the tides of space. There was a sense of renewal which came with it, as Eleutherian glided the ship like a giant bird steadily lower through the pale green sky towards the floating city. Eli watched closely through the window at the mysterious torch shaped building, while the ocean’s surface glittered from the sunlight beneath.

  The Guardian stood proudly awaiting our arrival as we drifted down slowly onto one of the outside landing bays. They waved in response to Eli’s gesture. The young boy seemed fascinated and understandably a little overwhelmed by everything here, including the tall robot they enquired about. Every moment for them must have been like unwrapping an unexpected gift. I was pleased to know the beginnings of a brighter future though were already in their grasp.

  In a way, my arrival here was like I was coming home with friends and family. Loren’s presence somehow made the place, which others avoided at all cost, become somewhere I had grown exceptionally fond of.

  Eleutherian powered down the systems on the Pegasi. We left the ship, to be greeted by the Guardian. Eli held my hand as security for a while, while we walked down the long ramp towards the Guardian. Perhaps they felt unsure or slightly intimidated by the Guardian’s size. As Eli gazed up at the tall robot, the sunlight shone on their metallic features and I remembered how I felt the first time I met them too. I introduced the robot to the young boy. The Guardian welcomed Eli to the city in a friendly manner. Eli simply replied by stating the robot was very large and if they were to become friends, they would have to work out a better way than this to talk to one another; or they would develop a stiff neck. I started laughing as the Guardian hummed in agreement and surprise at the boy’s comments. I could tell there and then, that Eli was going to frustrate the Guardian at times, much like I did myself. There was a glint in the Guardian's face, as they looked at me that I knew they liked Eli and would become the best of friends with them.